Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

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Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber for networking, prize drawings, and all the latest news and announcements from the local business community. The event will take place at the new UCAP Emergency Shelter located across the road from Woodland Centers to the north and the community garden to the west (1217 7th St SE, Willmar). It is on the same street at the bus garage. Don't forget to bring your business card for a chance at door prizes. $1 will be collected from each attendee to benefit our Nonprofit of the Month: Hope Pregnancy Center.

The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber hosted another successful Golf Classic, presented by JD Kreps Financial Group. Despite the heat and humidity, golfers enjoyed a fun day on the course and were fortunate to escape the rain. Thank you to our sponsors, Ambassadors, volunteers, and the Eagle Creek team for your hospitality and support, and to West Central Technology for providing a wonderful After Hours. Every contribution—from donations to participation—made this event possible. Thank you for supporting your Chamber and its mission to promote and advocate for the area-wide business community.

Congratulations to our major winners:

• First Place Team (-18): Chad Akerson, Mike Sixta, Jon Beaver, and Jeff Martinka
• MAC Supply & Hardware Money Ball ($500 cash): Matt Kubesh

The Business Education Network (BEN) is excited to be welcomed back to the Willmar High School for Zero Hour on Wednesday mornings from 8am to 9am. For some students, these mornings are spent catching up on tests or missing work. The rest of the students wait in the commons area for class to start. The BEN program has been given the opportunity to have one or two businesses set up tables in the commons area to interact with these students. This time is meant for your business to promote itself as an option for students to consider as they move towards the workforce. It is not meant as a hiring fair. The goal is to build relationships between students and businesses to help them understand the various levels of career paths available in our community. If this opportunity sounds like something your business wants to participate in, please email bencoordinator@willmarareachamber.com

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Jeffrey Schmitz from Willmar Area United Campus Ministries.

Hiring? Make sure to log in to ChamberMaster to post your positions on the Chamber Job Board. Job postings are shared in the weekly e-newsletter that reaches over 1,500 people as well as on the Chamber website, and occasionally on social media. This is a complimentary service offered exclusively to Chamber members.

• Community Christian School - Head Administrator

• Dooley's Petroleum - Bulk Fuel & Propane Driver, Fuel Transport Driver, Field Service Technician

• DI Labs - Senior Account Manager

• Employment Plus - Bilingual Bank Teller, Lube Technician, Billing Administrator, Logistics Clerk, Molding Machine Operator

• Haug Implement - Ag Equipment Sales, Diesel Technician, Office Assistant - Litchfield

• North Risk Partners - Personal Lines Associate Account Manager

• Ridgewater College - Academic Advisor / Student Success Specialist

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Special Education Paraprofessional, Student Support Specialist

• West Central Roofing - Foreman / Lead

• West Central Sanitation - Diesel Mechanic - All Experience Levels, Cart/Container Delivery - CDL Trainee

• Willmar Public Schools - Student Support Specialist

Tuesday, August 19 at 5:00pm - Ambassador Social at Zorbaz

Wednesday, August 20 at 9:00am - Business Education Network at the Chamber

Wednesday, August 20 at 6:00pm - Ribbon Cutting at Willmar Middle School Gym

Thursday, August 21 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat with Woodland Centers

Thursday, August 21 at 11:00am - Ribbon Cutting at Prairie Lakes Youth Programs

Friday, August 22 at 7:30am - Chamber Connection at UCAP Emergency Shelter

Monday, August 25 at 12:00pm - Diplomats Meeting at the Chamber

Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00am - Executive Meeting at the Chamber